Date Posted: 2009-04-16A Japanese Army auxiliary airport in Yomitan Village during World War II, which later served as an American military installation until its return to Japan in 2006, is getting a new life as a Farmers’ Market under the guiding hand of JA Okinawa.
Individual landowners first gained control of the property, but then sold it to Yomitan Village, with the intent it would be transformed into an agricultural mecca. The village envisioned an agricultural hub that would include agricultural products collection, a facility for select fruits grown in the area, and shops selling farm products.
JA Okinawa has approved the concept at its annual business meeting, with all directors in agreement that the land should become a Farmers’ Market. JA Okinawa is providing advice to local residents on how to make farm products, how to organized business with agricultural products, working with fruits and vegetables, and how to produce products efficiently.
JA Okinawa has established a budget of ¥1.27 billion for the project. JA Okinawa says by creating the business intensive agricultural center, it can process agricultural products and supply products to schools for lunch programs. The arrangement will provide farmers income, and Yomitan Village has pledged to fully support the endeavor.
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